LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Ls400 dipstick o-ring replacement?

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Old 03-22-08, 02:07 PM
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jermdogg
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Default Ls400 dipstick o-ring replacement?

Hey all,

Has anyone done this? Seems like it is simple enough, but certainly not easy to get to the ONE BOLT that holds the dipstick tube in place. Dealer wants $230 to install a $3 part! Help!

Jeremy
Old 03-22-08, 04:31 PM
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RA40
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I was quoted similar.
Is it leaking? If not, leave it.
Old 03-22-08, 05:13 PM
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Neofate
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Thats how it works in the world of mechanics. It isn't the parts, but the labor to get to the part. It is all turning nuts/bolts, screws, mainly.

Sounds about like 2 hours of labor,.. which is probably an hour for a good mechanic. Which would be all day for someone who has never done it before. I'd look into what you have to remove to get to it, and see about doing it yourself.

Otherwise, go to an indie mechanic and see what they charge. A decent one will be about half that, generally.
Old 03-22-08, 07:48 PM
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jermdogg
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Rats. I was expecting it was a no win for me. Yes, it is leaking...more and more , so I need to get it taken care of while I have the time off (being a teacher has it's perks).

I'm going to get a quote from my family mechanic...it HAS to be less than the dealer.

I'm just frustrated that I have been able to do other things myself, but not this, especially something that seems so simple.

I'll keep you posted.
Old 03-22-08, 08:35 PM
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RA40
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Where in Ca are you? We might be able to suggest some shops.
Old 03-22-08, 08:36 PM
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Och
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Keep us posted. It seems to be a common problem with 1LS, and I havent had the time to deal with it.
Old 03-24-08, 02:24 PM
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jermdogg
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Ok, just got the o-ring replaced from my mechanic. $121 total with 1 hour of labor. Much better than the $230 the dealer quoted.

I'm going to clean the undercarriage today and wait a few days to make sure that is the source of the leak before I put back the plastic under engine cover.
Old 03-24-08, 08:13 PM
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jermdogg
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Final post and moral: Hakim's Razor is true..." With all things being equal , the simplest explanation/answer is normally the right one."

While I DID need to get the o-ring replaced, the major oil leak began after I changed my oil. Seemed to be leaking around the filter, but I was convinced it was a much bigger problem. I changed my oil again thinking it was the FRAM oil filter. While this may have played a part, the real kicker is the filter WAS THE WRONG SIZE! I used a filter that I mistook for my LS which was intended for a 2.2 Vtec engine (i used to own a 93 prelude).

Learned in the process (thanks to the interweb) that Fram filters aren't the best and went with a Bosch. Also, I effectively "flushed" the oil as I changed it twice within one week. At least, this is what I'm telling myself.... =P

Cheers,
jeremy
Old 03-24-08, 09:14 PM
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drewkaree
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Has Hakim ever borrowed Occam's razor?
Old 03-24-08, 10:15 PM
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jermdogg
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Ha! Always thought it was "Hakim's"....dually noted.
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